Lining up for the future

The Dutch conservative-liberal VVD party proposes streamlining innovation through closer ties between major programmes

The conservative-liberal VVD hopes to once again be the largest party after the Dutch parliamentary elections on 17 March. Fortunately for scientists, the party has assigned research and innovation an important role in its programme.

These activities are so important for society that the government must do its bit to stimulate and guide them, the party states. Or, to put it in the words of VVD MP Dennis Wiersma, “Science is the cork on which Dutch prosperity and wellbeing float.”